This publication summarizes the key themes from the first event in the Redefining "Rust Belt" series. The event engaged community leaders from the cities of Baltimore, Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia in a discussion of challenges and successful strategies in city revitalization efforts. The event was held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Cleveland and Philadelphia.

This report summarizes the key topics that emerged from forums held by the Community Development departments at the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Francisco, and St. Louis, as well as the Board of Governors in 2011. The forums were a part of an initiative to explore the causes of long-term unemployment in low-to-moderate income communities and to identify strategies that foster successful workforce development.

REO and Vacant Properties: Strategies for Neighborhood Stabilization is a joint summit and publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Cleveland and the Federal Reserve Board. The summit will help communities and practitioners better understand current barriers, promising practices, and regional differences related to neighborhood stabilization and the disposition of real estate owned (REO) property.